Two senior officials suspended from the Ministry of Home Affairs have been granted bail in a corruption and fraud case linked to the alleged unlawful issuance of official documents, including passports.
The accused are suspended Director of Passports Mpiko Rafono (58) and Nthatisi Thabane (48), a Refugee and Migrants Liaison Officer who also coordinated Lesotho’s Multi-Sectoral Committee Against Trafficking in Persons. Both have been on suspension since last year.
They appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court this week, where they were formally charged with corruption and fraud. The court granted each accused bail of M5,000. The matter was postponed to 10 February 2026.
According to police testimony, Inspector Voyelwa Mateisi of the Special Investigations Unit at the Ministry of Home Affairs told the court that a report was received in June 2025 alleging widespread corruption within the ministry.
Investigations were subsequently launched, leading police to the offices of the suspended Director of Passports and the former Migrants Liaison Officer.
Inspector Mateisi said investigations revealed that the accused allegedly abused the authority entrusted to them by their offices by unlawfully facilitating the issuance of official documents to certain refugees, without transparency and in violation of procedures set out in the relevant laws and regulations.
The alleged offences relate to the handling of sensitive immigration and identity documents, including passports, residence permits and naturalisation certificates.
Separately, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) last year reported that Thabane allegedly unlawfully received and retained funds intended for the processing of naturalisation certificates.
According to the DCEO, the amounts involved total M280,000, with an additional M30,000 also unaccounted for. As a result of the alleged conduct, the Ministry of Home Affairs is said to have suffered a financial loss of approximately M280,000.
The accused are expected to return to court on 10 February 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the issuance of critical national documents, including national identity cards, passports, residence permits, naturalisation certificates, and other official travel and identification documents, has faced intense scrutiny over alleged systemic corruption.
Reports indicate that some officials have solicited bribes to expedite or facilitate the processing of these services, particularly passports, amid ongoing public frustrations with delays in issuance.
Recent broader challenges in passport services have included prolonged backlogs, perceived shortages of materials, and allegations that desperation among applicants has fueled bribery attempts.
For instance, frustrations over not obtaining passports promptly have reportedly contributed to corruption incidents, as highlighted in parliamentary discussions.
The standard passport issuance process requires applicants to submit prescribed forms, a valid Lesotho identity card, fingerprints, passport-sized photos, and fees at the Ministry of Home Affairs or designated offices.
However, deviations from due process, such as bypassing transparency requirements, have been central to the accusations.
Summary
- According to police testimony, Inspector Voyelwa Mateisi of the Special Investigations Unit at the Ministry of Home Affairs told the court that a report was received in June 2025 alleging widespread corruption within the ministry.
- Inspector Mateisi said investigations revealed that the accused allegedly abused the authority entrusted to them by their offices by unlawfully facilitating the issuance of official documents to certain refugees, without transparency and in violation of procedures set out in the relevant laws and regulations.
- As a result of the alleged conduct, the Ministry of Home Affairs is said to have suffered a financial loss of approximately M280,000.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
